The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) was set
up under a new constitution in 1995. Nine autonomous Regional States make
up the Federal entity, each vested with powers of self-administration.
The Federal Government handles national defense, foreign relations and
general policy of common interest and benefits. The FDRE has a bicameral
parliament, with the Council of Peoples' Representatives being the highest
authority of the Federal Government, while the Council of Federation represents
the common interests of the nations, nationalities and peoples of the
states. Members of both Councils are democratically elected by universal
suffrage for five years.

The Federal State is headed by a constitutional president, and the Federal
Government by an executive prime minister, who is accountable to the Council
of Peoples' Representatives. Each Regional state is headed by a state
president elected by the Regional State Councils.

The Judiciary is constitutionally independent. Supreme federal judicial
authority is vested in the Federal Supreme Court. States shall establish
state supreme, high & first instance courts. The president and vice-president
of the Federal Supreme Court are appointed by the House of Peoples' Representatives
with the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

All constitutional disputes and the interpretation of the constitution
are handled by the upper house of the Parliament, namely the House of
Federation.